How to Clean your Boat Cover

Cleaning your boat cover is a great way to keep your cover in good shape. From weather changes to dirt and pet hair, there are a lot of elements that can cause your cover to get dirty throughout the year. ...read more

Here are some tips from our cover manufactures to help you clean your cover.

First, it is best to lay the cover out on a debris clear surface. Make sure there is no pet hair, dirt, or dust. Brush any debris or dirt off of the cover before moving on to the next step.

Second, fill up a bucket with warm, soapy water. The best soaps to use are Ivory, Dreft, Joy, or Dove - something that is not harsh and could possibly cause damage to the water repellent finish (such as bleach or astringents).

Detergent is not recommended when cleaning your boat cover. If you have a tough stain, you can use a mild detergent to try and get it out, instead of soap; only apply to that area, not to the entire cover.

Third, get a soft cloth or washrag and lightly brush the cover using the warm, soapy water. Then rinse off any soapy residue.

Fourth, and probably the most important step, allow the boat cover to air dry thoroughly. Putting a damp cover into storage can cause mildew build up.

************NEVER DRY CLEAN OR PLACE YOUR COVER IN A WASHING MACHINE OR DRYER************

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How to Clean Your Boat Cover (Video) By Sunbrella

Video instruction on how to clean your boat cover from dirt and stubborn stains. Presented by Sunbrella Fabrics. ...read more

Video Transcript

Well, I guess the fish aren’t biting today. Think I’ll take this opportunity to do a little cleaning up.

That’s the great thing about Sunbrella performance fabric, spills, stains, messes or whatever are no problem. Just a little water here and there, and you are back to enjoying life on the water in no time.

Have a really tuff or stubborn stain, no problem.

Here’s an easy way to clean it up:

Simply mix together one cup of bleach; one quarter cup of mild soap or detergent; and one gallon of water.

Clean your stubborn stain with a soft-bristle brush while allowing the mixture to soak into the fabric for up to 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly until all the soap residue is removed and air day and you should be all set.

We guarantee that our fabrics will look brand new for years to come.

For a complete care and cleaning guide for your fabrics on the water, at home or around town, visit sunbrella.com.

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Boat Cover Straps - How many do I need?

Straps are an efficient way to secure the cover to your boat and trailer when you are moving it. Each manufacturer sells their own strap kits that come with varying numbers of straps. ...read more

Some boat cover strap kits will come in a set length that can then be cut down to your desired size, or they may come in a roll which will allow you to cut your own.

How many straps you will need is unique and specific to your boat and trailer. Whether your boat is 12’ in length or 30’ in length, you will receive the same amount of straps, depending on the manufacturer of the cover.

Let's say you have twelve straps. While it may not be necessary to use every single strap for a smaller boat (although it can't hurt), a larger boat may require more straps in order to properly the cover.

Rather than using snaps, as some custom covers come with, the covers you will find on our website utilize straps. The way this works is that there are loops sewn into the hem of the cover which you put these straps through, which then buckle to your trailer, keeping it secure while you move it.

When installing the straps, you need to take into account the shape and size of your boat, as well as your trailer. It may not be viable to put straps in certain areas, due to the design of the trailer. You may need to try placing the straps in a few different locations to ensure that your boat cover is properly secured, but once you figure it out, you’ll be very happy the straps are there.

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5 Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Boat Cover

Use Support Poles or a Cover Support System. The number one thing you can do to prolong the life of your boat cover! Without proper support, a boat cover will sag and allow water and debris to pool. This can distort the fit and cause dry rot and mildew to set in. Support poles and cover support systems are designed to prevent water from pooling.

Properly tie-down the cover. Boat cover tie-downs secure the cover to the trailer, helping to keep the cover in place for trailering and storage. A properly tied-down cover will be less likely to flap in the wind, shrink, or slide and will help prevent moisture and debris from getting in.

Clean your boat cover regularly. Avoid letting water, snow or debris like leaves and sticks to stand on boat covers. We also recommend cleaning your boat cover at least once a year with a solution of warm water and mild soap, and a soft brush. Make sure your boat cover is thoroughly dry before folding or storing.

Treat the boat cover. Over several years of use and cleaning, a cover may need to be retreated. Fabric treatments restore fabric repellency, and protect a cover against dirt, stains and mildew. Many products also help prevent UV sun damage.